What happened
According to IGN, citing a report from Bloomberg, Rockstar Games initially planned to develop Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) alongside Red Dead Redemption 2. However, the ambition behind Red Dead Redemption 2 led the studio to focus on that project first, putting GTA 6 on the back burner. This decision allowed the team to develop ideas and systems for Red Dead Redemption 2 that would later benefit GTA 6, including its NPC interaction system. The change in plans resulted in a longer development time for GTA 6, which is now set to release on November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Why it matters for GTA 6 players
The development history of GTA 6 and Rockstar Games' approach to game development provide insight into the studio's priorities and challenges. The experience gained from developing Red Dead Redemption 2 has contributed to the creation of GTA 6, and the studio's growth and changes during GTA 6's development are expected to improve its efficiency and productivity for future projects.
What remains unclear
The exact timeline of when Rockstar Games started actively developing GTA 6 and what the studio's next project will be after GTA 6.
Source and attribution
Related GTA 6 coverage
Publication note: This source-based report was prepared and published automatically. It has not been reviewed by a human editor. Automated checks do not establish the authenticity of unconfirmed claims.
